Gifted singer-songwriter coming to Steel City

Cheryl Wheeler is a popular folksinger/songwriter from Providence, R.I., who has been excelling in her chosen field for more than 50 years. Ironically, Wheeler didn’t have any definite, long-term plans for her music career when she started out and definitely couldn’t have envisioned how far her tireless efforts and talent would take her.

“It seems like I always wanted to perform onstage and entertain people,” Wheeler said in a recent interview. “When I was just a kid I fell in love with music — writing music, playing music and singing. Even back then,” Wheeler continued, “I knew I wouldn’t be happy with a 9 to 5 job. Music was what I loved and I spent all my time pursuing that, dreaming that some day I’d make my mark.

“Luckily,” Wheeler said, “I got a lot of help and guidance from neighbors and friends, worked hard and stuck with it. And I have to admit that it has all worked out pretty well.”

The 62-year-old Wheeler, a native of Maryland who moved to Providence when she was 25, has garnered a fine reputation for a well-honed act that includes music, comedy routines and storytelling.

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Local fans can see Wheeler live and close up when she appears on the small stage at the intimate Steel City Coffee House in Phoenixville on Friday, May 10.

In a way, Wheeler’s appearance at Steel City is reminiscent of her humble beginning, considering that the well-respected artist had her first professional gig in a coffee house in her home town of Timonium, Md., when she was, — incredible, but true — 12 years old.

Wheeler, who said that she has written hundreds of songs in her career, does about 90 shows a year.

“I hate flying and driving in big cities,” Wheeler said. “Other than that, I have a good time on the road. I never tire of getting on stage and meeting my fans. There is nothing comparable to seeing a crowd have a good time enjoying what I do.”

One of the things Wheeler said she has learned is that no matter where she goes — Wheeler has traveled all over the U.S. and makes one trip a year to Canada — there are people who like the folk and country music that she plays.

Wheeler not only has built up a good fan base over the years, but is also well-respected by her peers, with many of her songs covered by such accomplished performers as Garth Brooks, Dan Seals, Suzy Boggus, Peter, Paul and Mary, Bette Midler, Kenny Loggins and Melanie.

In particular, Dan Seals’ recording of Wheeler’s song “Addicted” went to No. 1 on the country charts. Some of Wheeler’s other songs also did quite well, including “Aces,” recorded by Boggus; “Twenty-Five Septembers” (Peter, Paul and Mary); and “I Know This Town” (Midler).

After getting that initial gig when she was 12, Wheeler played in small venues around Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. She did the same thing after moving to Providence, playing at various locations all over New England. Eventually Wheeler’s career was helped when she met some established artists who took her on the road with them, with Wheeler continuing to work hard and learn from the others, in the process ultimately becoming the consummate singer-songwriter.

After seeing Wheeler perform in the late 1970s, a singer-songwriter named Jonathan Edwards, who gained famed for his mega hit “Sunrise,” got Wheeler to tour with him when he needed a bass player. A short time later, Wheeler began touring with another singer-songwriter, Kenny White. The two performers still appear together at times, continuing a strong and productive working relationship that has lasted for more than 30 years now.

May 10 will be Wheeler’s second visit to the popular coffee house. In any case, Wheeler said she is looking forward to returning.

“Steel City is a real neat place. There is always a lot of excitement in the air,” Wheeler said, “and everyone really gets into the program, hangs loose, has a good time.” Wheeler has also appeared in this area at the Tin Angel and at the Sellersville Theater 1894.

Wheeler has recorded 11 CDs to date. The first one, simply titled “Cheryl Wheeler,” was released in 1986. Her most recent effort was a recording of a live show called “Greetings from Cheryl Wheeler.” recorded in 2012.